System and method for traversing pipes

Abstract

A system and method is provided for traversing inside one or more pipes. In an embodiment, a fluid is injected into the one or more pipes thereby promoting a fluid flow. An inspection device is deployed into the one or more pipes at least partially filled with a flowing fluid. The inspection device comprises a housing wherein the housing is designed to exploit the hydrokinetic effects associated with a fluid flow in one or more pipes as well as maneuver past a variety of pipe configurations. The inspection device may contain one or more sensors capable of performing a variety of inspection tasks.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for moving a device inside one or more pipes comprised of one or more tee-fittings, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing the one or more pipes comprised of the one or more tee-fittings having a predetermined minimum interior diameter and one or more interior diameters, wherein each of the one or more tee-fittings is comprised of a first and second section configured at substantially a right angle in relationship to each other forming two 90 degree turns; 
 providing the device comprised of a housing having a maximum outer diameter and a forward section, wherein the housing's maximum outer diameter is less than the one or more pipes' predetermined minimum interior diameter and one or more interior diameters, wherein the housing's maximum outer diameter is in a predetermined proportional relationship with the one or more pipes' predetermined minimum interior diameter and one or more interior diameters, and wherein the housing is substantially teardrop in shape; 
 injecting a fluid into the one or more pipes at a predetermined flow rate thereby creating a fluid flow, wherein the predetermined flow rate is capable of effectively applying a predetermined force on the device; 
 deploying the device inside the one or more pipes; and 
 invoking a pressure differential of predetermined value between a first pressure upstream of the device and second pressure downstream of the device wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure and wherein the step of invoking the pressure differential is accomplished through a combination of the predetermined proportional relationship, the predetermined flow rate, and the housing's substantially teardrop shape thereby permitting the fluid to flow around the device's exterior at a predetermined second velocity and to flow downstream of the device subsequently decreasing the second pressure, 
 wherein the combination of the pressure differential and predetermined force results in moving the device inside the one or more pipes and through at least one 90 degree turn formed by the one or more tee-fittings. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the step of providing one or more pipes comprises a plurality of interconnected pipes and wherein the plurality of interconnected pipes is partially filled with a first fluid, 
 wherein the fluid is a predetermined second fluid, and 
 wherein the step of invoking a pressure differential includes permitting a mixture of the first and second fluids to flow around the housing. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 ,
 wherein the first and second fluids have substantially the same composition. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the device is further comprised of one or more sensors and wherein the one or more pipes has an entrance end and an exit end and further comprising the steps of:
 providing a tank accessible from the one or more pipes' exit end wherein the tank is at least partially filled with a first fluid, a third fluid, or both; 
 entering the tank by the device from the one or more pipes; and 
 using the one or more sensors to inspect the interior of the tank. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 ,
 providing a tether line connected to the device wherein the tether line is in operable connectivity with the one or more sensors; 
 transmitting power and digital data to and from the one or more sensors via the tether line; and 
 retrieving the device by retracting the tether line. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 determining the predetermined force; and 
 using a predetermined theoretical model to determine the predetermined flow rate based on the predetermined force. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 providing a tether line connected to the device; and 
 retrieving the device by retracting the tether line. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 ,
 further comprising the step of:
 unwinding and winding the tether line as necessary when the device's housing enters at least one of the one or more tee-fittings, and 
 
 wherein the combination of the pressure differential, predetermined force, housing's substantially teardrop shape, and the step of unwinding and winding results in moving the device through the at least one of the one or more tee-fittings.